Belfast City Council wins regional Enterprising Britain award

Belfast City Council has been nominated as the regional winner for this year’s Enterprising Britain award.

The competition, launched by the Chancellor Gordon Brown this year, aims to reward towns and cities across the country that are best improving the quality of life or economic prospects in their regions of the UK.

The competition will culminate with the Chancellor announcing the British Capital of Enterprise in Spring 2005. A European-wide competition has also been proposed by the UK and is being considered by other Member States.

Mr Brown said: "I am absolutely delighted at the degree of interest this competition has generated. To build a truly enterprising culture in Britain we must open up enterprise to all. This competition will recognise the contributions of enterprise and the enterprising throughout the UK.

"We know how much stronger our economy and our society will be if we release all the dynamism, creativity and potential of all our people to become more enterprising, contributing to a change in culture and attitudes by valuing and celebrating the spirit of enterprise throughout our towns and cities.

"Throughout the world, Britain is recognised as a country of enterprise fired by innovation, fuelled by hard work and driven by entrepreneurial spirit. I congratulate today's winning communities."

Britain's Regional Development Agencies from England's nine regions, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland individually selected regional winners, which will compete in the national final beginning during next month's Enterprise Week.

A high profile, independent, panel of business leaders will judge the bids and determine the UK winner.

The UK will hold its first-ever national Enterprise Week, celebrating the successes of business today and inspiring young people to become the entrepreneurs of tomorrow from November 15 - 21.

(MB/SP)